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Legoland exhibit | Drive Direct in Columbus, OH

4 Great Kid-Friendly Activities You Can Drive to From Columbus, OH

When you want to treat the kids, Columbus, OH, is just the place for great kid-friendly activities and family fun! Load everyone into an affordable and spacious used sedan or SUV and drive to amazing places to discover new and unique things. Visit COSI to have fun while learning, explore a magical interactive children's garden, experience what life was like in the 1800s, and build and create with Lego bricks! 1. Discover the World of Science and Industry The Center of Science and Industry (COSI) at 333 West Broad Street in Columbus combines fun and learning through more than 300 interactive, hands-on exhibits, live shows, and Ohio's largest planetarium. Watch fascinating demonstrations, dive into the ocean's depths, and explore the universe's wonders. more Visit Big Science Park, which makes science anything but dull, and see a full-sized Tyrannosaurus Rex cast, an eight-foot-long titanosaur femur, and million-year-old fossilized amber. Go around the world in the Motion Simulator, feel the power of electricity, and delve into the archaeology of ancient Egypt. 2. Explore a Magical Children's Garden The amazing Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children's Garden in the magnificent Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens at 1777 East Broad Street in Columbus features an array of unique and interactive experiences where little ones can connect with nature. See the upside-down trees in the Earth Art Garden, wander through the colorful Rainbow Garden, and cross rope bridges to the Hammock Lounge for a bird's eye view of Ohio's wildflowers. The kids will love playing in the shade of the Mulberry Tree at the Nature Play Zone, where they can dig, climb, and jump, and the whimsical Playhouse Garden with a puppet stage where they can dress up and role play. 3. Learn About Ohio's History The Ohio History Center at 800 East 17th Avenue in Columbus is a great place to take the kids to learn more about the state's history from prehistoric times to the present day. View exhibits across all of Ohio's historical, archeological, and natural sites, and visit the Ohio Village to see what a town looked like in the 1800s. Watch the villagers go about their daily business, and the artisans ply their trades, play with historical toys, and dress in period costumes for an old-fashioned photograph. 4. Build, Create, and Play with Lego The Legoland Discovery Center at 157 Easton Town Center in Columbus is the ultimate playground in the city for everything Lego. Your kids will have a blast in the Lego building zones, where their imaginations will run wild as they create and build, race their own Lego car down the speed ramp, and explore Miniland, built out of  1.5 million Lego bricks! There are loads of exciting rides and attractions, 4D movies with epic effects, and a top-secret factory tour to show the kids how these colorful little bricks are made. When their tummies start to rumble, there are healthy eats and treats at the fun Lego-themed cafe.   Take the kids on exciting outings and have loads of fun with your family! While you're out and about, stop at Drive Direct today to check out the wide range of superior and affordable pre-owned vehicles to make your travels easier. Image via pixabay.com

Seafood | Drive Direct in Columbus, OH

3 Seafood Restaurants Worth the Drive Near Columbus, OH

If you're searching for a unique seafood dining experience in Columbus, OH, look no further! This article will provide an informative overview of some of the best seafood restaurants that Columbus has to offer! These establishments are known for their freshly made dishes, mouthwatering flavors, great service – and they're all in Columbus, an easy drive for you in your Toyota 4Runner! Kai's Crab Boil Kai's Crab Boil, located at 839 Bethel Rd, is a local favorite for Columbus residents who love seafood. This restaurant offers a wide range of shellfish dishes, such as lobster, crab, shrimp, mussels, and clams, all cooked to perfection. In addition to its delicious seafood options, Kai's Crab Boil also offers mouth-watering sides like cornbread and garlic noodles that perfectly complement the main course. more Kai's is closed on Mondays but opens from Tuesday through Sunday. Kai's Crab Boil operates from 4 pm until 9 pm on weekdays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. On Fridays, they stay open an additional hour until 10 pm; on weekends, the restaurant opens at noon, closing at 10 pm on Saturday and 9 pm on Sunday. Mitchell's Columbus Fish Market Columbus Fish Market, located at 1245 Olentangy River Rd., is a seafood lover's paradise. The restaurant offers a wide variety of fresh and delicious seafood meals on the menu that are sure to satisfy your cravings for seafood. Some of the many fishes served here include Chilean seabass, Atlantic cod, scallops, and trout, and there's even a fish sandwich if you're popping in for lunch. The restaurant is open from Sunday through Thursday from 11:30 am to 8:30 pm and Friday through Saturday from 11:30 am to 9 pm. This establishment also offers private dining and event catering for those special occasions with loved ones. Del Mar SoCal Kitchen Del Mar SoCal Kitchen is an excellent destination for seafood enthusiasts looking for a memorable culinary experience. The restaurant offers a delicious dinner and brunch menu that caters to every taste, including a kid's menu. Del Mar SoCal Kitchen is open Monday through Thursday from 4 pm - 9 pm, Friday from 4 pm to 10 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 10 pm, and Sunday from 10 am to 9 pm. The dinner menu at Del Mar SoCal Kitchen features a wide range of dishes, such as oysters, sushi rolls, and bowls that range from delicious pastas to succulent beef and veggies. For those who crave something more substantial, the menu also includes succulent fillets cooked to perfection that will leave you wanting more. Each dish is prepared with the freshest, locally sourced ingredients and expertly crafted by experienced chefs. These are just a few of the possible spots to enjoy an exquisite seafood meal. Stop by Drive Direct Cars today and find the perfect vehicle to visit each of these incredible seafood eateries! Image via pixabay.com

Fresh fruits and veggies | Drive Direct in Columbus, OH

3 Family Restaurants Worth the Drive Near Columbus, OH

Looking for a great place to take the family for dinner? Look no further than the Columbus, OH, area, where you can find three family restaurants that are worth the drive. From farm-to-table restaurants to historic dining halls, there are plenty of options for a delicious, family-friendly meal. Check out these three restaurants and plan your next family outing today! Cap City Fine Diner For a truly local family restaurant, head to the Columbus area to visit Cap City Fine Diner. The award-winning diner boasts a menu filled with classic American dishes, including breakfast favorites, omelets, burgers, sandwiches, and salads. However, what truly sets the Columbus diner apart is the fact that they only use fresh, local products in all of their dishes. more That means you'll be dining at a restaurant that's focused on quality and that is truly dedicated to the local community. The diner is located at 1299 Olentangy River Rd and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day of the week. You can also find the diner's menu and make a reservation online. Tommy's Diner When you're craving classic American diner food, head to Tommy's Diner at 914 W Broad St. The diner is famous for its homemade burgers, grilled cheese sandwiches, grilled ham and eggs, and other breakfast and lunch items. They also offer a kids' menu with options like macaroni & cheese, grilled cheese sandwiches, and hot dogs. Their specialty is their homemade pies! If you're looking for something different from the usual burger or sandwich, try one of their homemade soups. They offer daily specials as well as many vegetarian and other healthy options. Lois Mann's Restaurant If you're looking for a great place to take the entire family to eat, head to 1904 S High St to visit Lois Mann's Restaurant. Known for its homemade Chicago-style pizza, Lois Mann's Restaurant also features a wide selection of pasta, sandwiches, and other classic American dishes. The food is good and reasonably priced, and there are plenty of booths and tables to accommodate families. The restaurant features a full salad bar, a steam table line-up of daily specials, homemade soups, freshly baked bread, and desserts. There are also plenty of options for kids' meals as well as an adult menu that includes steaks, prime rib, and seafood dinners. The list of family-friendly restaurants should prove useful for anyone looking to get out of the house and enjoy an evening away from the kitchen. With excellent food and fun for the whole family, these restaurants are a must-try for anyone with growing children! Start making plans to check them out, and who knows – you might just find a new favorite spot! Image via pixabay.com

Columbus, OH | Drive Direct in Columbus, OH

6 Reasons to Love Columbus, OH

There's no denying it! Columbus, OH is the city that has it all. A booming economy, electrifying nightlife, appreciation for culture and most importantly, safe neighborhoods. Keep reading to learn more about this incredible city that residents are proud to call home. Creativity Blossoms Columbus supports creative minds and won a Smart City Challenge that awarded the city $50 million in grants. Its innovative and tech-friendly startups receive plenty of support from local government and large corporations. On the artistic front, the Columbus Makes Art event gives local artists a chance to let their talents shine and puts their pieces on display for the entire city to admire. more Safe and Friendly Neighborhoods When it comes to choosing a place to call home, there is no bigger issue of importance than the neighborhood you live in. Luckily for Columbus residents, virtually all family-friendly suburbs are safe to walk around during all times of the day. Raising a family in this kind of environment gives children a chance to enjoy life and flourish. Vibrant University Town You can't ignore the fact that the Ohio State University is the heart and soul of the young population in Columbus. It brings with it the Buckeye spirit and illuminates the town on big basketball and football game days. The university also does philanthropic work in the community and plays an important role in building a unifying atmosphere. Great Shopping Opportunities Columbus may not be the fashion capital of Paris, France, but that doesn't mean you can't get some stylish outfits at a great price. It's home to large retailers such as DSW and Victoria's Secret and has a multitude of shopping malls within its borders. You'll have so many shopping destinations to choose from, it'll make your head spin! Healthy Living Is Encouraged If staying in shape is important to you, you're going to fit in just fine in Columbus. The city has several public fitness events that welcome participants from across the state of Ohio. Pelotonia is one of these events and is Ohio's largest bike ride. Columbus has its very own marathon for those who love to run. There are also a large number of gyms and yoga studios so you can lift some weights or perfect your downward dog. Outdoor Enjoyment Columbus is either home or close to 19 city parks that offer 27,000 acres of gorgeous landscapes. These parks provide an array of activities throughout the year, so whether you love ice skating or camping under the stars, you have plenty of options. Foodie's Paradise It's no secret that Columbus is the place to enjoy an amazing meal at an award-winning restaurant. Its booming restaurant scene has drawn chefs and food critics from across the country and has subsequently boosted the city's economy even further. Buzzing Downtown District For lights, action, fun, and excitement, head to the Short North Arts District in downtown Columbus. You'll be met with cool bars, restaurants, art galleries, and energetic people! There are lots of terrific reasons to live here, or even just come for a visit! Start planning your trip to Columbus, OH today to make the most of your time and have a grand adventure! Image via pixabay.com

Hotels in Columbus | Performance Columbus in Columbus, OH

3 of the Best Hotels for Visiting Columbus, OH

Columbus, OH, features several local attractions, elegant restaurants, entertainment spots and is home to North America's largest university. Similarly, there are various hotel options to meet every budget and preference of accommodation. Read on to learn about the best hotels in the city. Hotel LeVeque Spend a weekend in downtown Columbus at the opulent Hotel LeVeque, located at 50 West Broad Street. The Palace Theatre, Ohio Statehouse, Ohio Theatre, Scioto Mile, and a few downtown restaurants are all within walking distance of Hotel LeVeque. The hotel's style is a perfect blend of elegance and historic architectural design. Its dazzling allure stems from its unique location within the iconic LeVeque Tower, the most distinctive structure in the metropolitan skyline. more The rooms of Hotel LeVeque are decorated in a classy style with marble bathroom floors, mini-fridges, plush bedding, and bathrobes included in each room. You should take the suite options for extra living room space, an oversized shower, and phenomenal views of the riverfront. The resort has a 24-hour fitness facility and is pet-friendly. Enjoy a nice cup of coffee and some delicious snacks at the Starbucks in the lobby. Le Meridien Columbus, The Joseph Meridien Columbus, The Joseph, is an elegant boutique hotel located at 620 North High Street in the Short North Arts District. Its location provides a wide range of amenities for a beautiful vacation and a pleasant neighborhood experience. While staying at the resort, you can take a short drive to the Nation Wide Arena, Ohio State University, and Huntington Park. The North Market and the Italian Village are within walking distance from the resort. Each room has a stylish design that blends well with modern furnishings and unique artwork. Some of the guest rooms offer spectacular views of the busy High Street. You can dine in the coziness of your room or enjoy a local cocktail at the full bar. Please drink in moderation and responsibly. Spend your day relaxing in one of our fully equipped spa suites. Graduate Columbus Graduate Columbus is a unique hotel with decorated rooms in college-inspired plaid patterns and tributes to Ohio history. Located at 750 North High Street in the Short North Arts District, it’s a pet-friendly hotel and has an in-house bulldog named Scarlett. With customized rooms and stunning décor, each room offers a warm, inviting vibe. The studio suites, which provide separate bedrooms and living areas, are recommended for more space. You may get a bite to eat with your friends at one of the two on-site restaurants, which offer exquisite full-course meals. Maintain your workout routine in the hotel's state-of-the-art gym that opens throughout. You can hire a bike from the hotel and visit the adjacent local attractions, such as the Wagner-Hagans Auto Museum. The staff is very kind and eager to help make your stay memorable. Columbus has a vast scope of resorts where you can stay while exploring our incredible city! These exceptional accommodations will add to your wonderful experience – but there are plenty of other options as well! Start making your plans to visit gorgeous Columbus, OH soon! Image via pixabay.com

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